Harlan Russell Andrews

Harlan Russell Andrews (Andy to family and friends) passed away on June 6, 2011, after spending nearly his entire 88 years in the Snoqualmie Valley. A 1941 graduate of North Bend High School, he often said, “The two smartest things I ever did in my life was to marry Sara and to join the fire department.” Andy was referring to Sara Meyers of Snoqualmie, whom he married in February 1944. Sara passed away in 1987. He married Anita Dunken, a former Snoqualmie Valley native, in 1988 and they spent five “too short” years together until her passing in 1993.

Andy was famous for his yearly elk camps near Naches, WA, where he hosted his fellow Seattle Fire Fighters and other friends (including a bunch of “elmers” and “dehorns”). Occasionally, they would actually return with an elk, and they always had great stories. He owned a rustic cabin on Lake Hancock where he taught his children, grandchildren, and their friends fishing skills and how to make flapjacks on an old wood stove. It was rumored that on more than one occasion he would dive out of the cabin loft window into the freezing water of the lake, but the reliability of the witnesses to these events is questionable. Andy served in the US Coast Guard during World War II, and became a world traveler after he retired from the Seattle Fire Department. He visited every continent except Antarctica. He loved to dance and even in his eighties could be found dancing with the bride at every family wedding. Andy always looked forward to his weekly cribbage battles with long time “main squeeze” Elsie Mauhl of Carnation. He is survived by three children; Cathy McKeen of Buena Vista, CO, John Andrew of Wenatchee, WA, Jane Lewis of Buena Vista, CO; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and thousands of friends who will never forget Andy and his humor. At his request, no formal service will be held. Family and friends will gather at Lake Hancock for a cookout and party to honor his life. We promise not to jump out of the loft window. Elk will not be served.

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